Kraken has appointed Amelia Gould as chief technology officer, bringing in the former Helsing maritime chief to lead the development of its autonomous vessels and associated technologies.
Gould will oversee Kraken’s technology strategy and the development of its advanced maritime platforms as the British-founded defence company expands its product portfolio and international manufacturing operations.
She joins Kraken after serving as Helsing’s general manager for maritime, having previously been managing director of the European defence technology company’s UK business. At Helsing, she helped build its British operation before taking responsibility for the company’s work across the maritime domain.
Gould began her career as a Royal Navy engineering officer, serving for 11 years at sea and ashore. She later joined BAE Systems, where her roles included technical authority, chief of staff to the chief executive and Naval Ships Combat Systems Portfolio Director.
She is also a chartered engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, chairs the trustees of STEM education charity FirstUK and sits on the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council.
“Kraken is operating at the forefront of autonomous maritime systems, and the opportunity to help scale its technology, products and capabilities at such an important time for the sector is incredibly exciting,” Gould said in a LinkedIn post on Tuesday.
She added that advances in autonomy, artificial intelligence and sensing were creating new opportunities for military capability, resilience and operational advantage at sea, noting that “Kraken is uniquely positioned to help shape that future.”
The appointment comes weeks after Kraken closed a $175 million Series B funding round at a $1 billion valuation. The round, led by Digital Transformation Capital Partners, will support further development of Kraken’s uncrewed surface vessels and payload capabilities, as well as the expansion of local manufacturing facilities.
Kraken has also recently expanded its US leadership, appointing former US Army Special Forces officer Justin Litko to head its American business as it builds manufacturing and operations in the country.
